President Asif Ali Zardari awarded the prestigious Sitara-Imtiaz Award for Asif Bashir in recognition of his extraordinary services in the public service during a special investiture ceremony held in AIWAN-E-SADR.
The ceremony was attended by members of Parliament and other dignitaries.
As indicated in the mention read at the ceremony, Asif Bashir, computer operator at the deputy commissioner office in Peshawar, was selected by the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs to serve as Moavin-Hijj (HAJJ assistant) during the Previous Hajj operation last year.
During the Hajj, the temperature reached an extreme temperature of 51.8 degrees Celsius, which caused serious difficulties to several pilgrims. Despite the harsh conditions, Moavineen provided invaluable assistance to Pakistani and international pilgrims, often their efforts were often not recognized.
Asif Bashir’s role was particularly crucial when it served in Mina, where tents were installed for Pakistan, India and other countries pilgrims.
On Zil Hajj day, a heat wave caused several elderly pilgrims of Pakistan, India and the United Kingdom to fainted and, tragically, 1,300 people lost their lives that day. In the midst of this crisis, Asif Bashir and his team of five members responded quickly offering first aid to the affected pilgrims. With remarkable determination, Asif Bashir physically brought on his shoulders 26 pilgrims, including 17 Indian nationality, to the hospital, saving their lives.
In recognition of his brave actions, the Minister of Affairs of the Minorities of India sent a letter of thanks recognizing the exceptional hospitality and responsibility shown by the Pakistani team.
Meanwhile, Pakistan prepares to introduce a new policy, “Ghar Se Ghar Tak”, to guarantee greater support and facilitation to pilgrims traveling for Hajj in 2025.
The initiative, aimed at improving the general experience of the Hajj, will provide a comprehensive service to the pilgrims from their departure in Pakistan until their return.
According to this policy, official guides, known as Nazmeen, will be appointed to help pilgrims throughout their trip. A total of 600 Nazmeen will be designated, with a guide assigned by every 150 pilgrims.
These guides will accompany the pilgrims from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia and back, providing vital assistance to travel the trip and perform the Hajj rituals.
